Description

The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 27 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 25 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Geoscience Energy and Maritime (GEM) Division provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). There are three (3) areas of scientific programming and two areas of focus within this division:

1. Oceans and Maritime Programme (OMP) – assists member countries with services that provide applied ocean science and knowledge for evidence-based policy-making and technical solutions for improved ocean and maritime governance, management and capacity development.
2. Georesources and Energy Programme (GEP) – assists member countries by applying technical knowledge in the areas of geoscience and sustainable energy use.
3. Disaster and Community Resilience Programme (DCRP) – assists member countries to demonstrate strengthened resilience through integrated action on disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, natural resource management and increased access to water and sanitation.

Earth and Ocean Observation Services (EOO) – SPC GEM’s EOO capabilities utilises global satellite and global positioning systems to support all of our technical focus areas. The programme’s work aims to inform understanding of the biophysical changes occurring in the Pacific region such as changes to our coastlines, to understand maritime zones or to develop more accurate early warning systems for disaster to protect lives and livelihoods of Pacific peoples. The key thematic area of EOO is to promote the analysis of spatial data and systems, enhancing capacity for decision-making to foster resilience and sustainable resource management.

The role – Earth Observation – Technical Assistant will be required to support the Geoinformatics Team in activities related to the implementation and operationalization of Digital Earth Pacific and supporting facets. This includes but is not limited to data collection, preparation, documentation and analysis, supporting regional and national training activities, supporting development of data analysis notebooks, generating test data for machine learning pipelines, writing up documentation and guidelines, supporting countries in trouble shooting issues, assisting in data quality control and documenting lessons learnt.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Earth Observation and Related Geospatial Data Management

• Maintain compliance of SPC published earth observations and related datasets and products to appropriate industry standards (including STAC and ISO-compliant metadata).
• Generate labelled remotely sensed test data for machine learning pipelines.
• Manage Planet License including querying and purchases of PlanetScope and Skysat Tasking products.
• Effectively use other data management related tools; ensuring quality of data.

Provide Geospatial-related Support for Projects and Country Requests

• Provide relevant and required data/information products in a timely manner.
• Update and maintain regional spatial datasets, including common operational datasets, in accordance with relevant standards and guidance.
• Produce relevant high-quality mapping products including information products such as reports, charts and infographics where necessary.
• Liaise effectively and objectively with stakeholders, internal and external, in regard to technical advice around sustainable and beneficial earth observation solutions.

Geospatial Capacity Building and Training

• Develop relevant training modules and supporting materials for workshops, including remote-based delivery.
• Train participants, meeting activity objectives, both internal and external.

Research and Development

• Conduct research and development of products including coastal marine habitat mapping and others.

For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Degree in GIS/remote sensing or other relevant subjects, or equivalent years of experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 3 to 5 years of demonstrated experience in GIS working with remote sensing data in spatial data management system so undertaking field surveys (from a remote sensing/ML context would be an advantage).
• Ability to think on your feet and troubleshoot challenges.
• Demonstrable knowledge of Python for Remote Sensing and/or GIS applications.
• Strong knowledge of QGIS and other open-source geospatial toolsets.

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – 1 year – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Earth Observation Technical Assistant is a band 7 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a commencing taxable salary range of FJD 2,287-2,859 per month, plus local staff benefits. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews.

Recruitment principles –SPC’s recruitment is based on merit and fairness, and candidates are competing in a selection process that is fair, transparent and non-discriminatory. SPC is an equal-opportunity employer, and is committed to cultural and gender diversity, including bilingualism, and will seek to attract and appoint candidates who respect these values. Due attention is given to gender equity and the maintenance of strong representation from Pacific Island professionals. If two interviewed candidates are ranked equal by the selection panel, preference will be given to the Pacific Islander.

Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s Privacy Policy.